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The autumn season is gradually nudging out summer and as temperatures dip, it’s almost time to reach for those jumpers. But while the days may be getting shorter, there's still plenty of events and free activities across the network.
London’s rich cultural scene kicks into a new season while parks and gardens are perfect for crisp walks to soak in the vibrant colours of the season. There are beer-fuelled Oktoberfest parties to join, cocktails to sip and food festivals to explore and, of course, plenty of Halloween fun to be had.
Here’s a few ideas to pack in the fun this October in London and the South West.
Get your caffeine fix on International Coffee Day
International Coffee Day takes place on 1 October to promote and celebrate coffee as a beverage.
We’re spoiled in the capital with a wide array of places dedicated to the perfect Cup of Joe. From quirky cafés to artisan espresso bars, check out some aromatic and speciality coffee from around the world in our round-up of the best coffee shops in London.
Dine out on World Vegetarian Day
Also on 1 October is World Vegetarian Day. Its aim is to “promote the joy, compassion and life-enhancing possibilities of vegetarianism" and we are spreading the joy with our round up of the best vegan and veggie restaurants in the South West. Whether you are a dedicated vegetarian or keen to try the delights of vegan cuisine, we’ve got it covered.
Have a Bavarian ball at Oktoberfest
Who needs Munich during Oktoberfest when there are a whole host of celebrations on our doorstep. From bars, bierkellers and restaurants to large-scale events throughout the capital, check out our guide to the best places to enjoy Oktoberfest in London.
If you’d rather celebrate outside London, the South West boasts plenty of events to try.
Bournevaria Oktoberfest, which takes place on 19 October, is the South Coast’s largest indoor Oktoberfest celebration. Set in a Bavarian-themed beer hall in Bournemouth International Centre, Bournevaria Oktoberfest is laced in German tradition. It features long tables, live entertainment and traditionally dressed waiters and waitresses serving you and your friends at your seats. Get to Bournemouth with South Western Railway.
Other ones to try include Southampton’s Oktoberfest which promises to be a wild Bavarian party, and Weymouth’s Oktoberfest on 4-5 October, organised by West Dorset Campaign for Real Ale, at Weymouth Pavilion’s Ocean Room.
Raise a glass to London Cocktail Week
If cocktails are more your thing, the capital’s annual celebration is back 2-13 October. London Cocktail Week hosts hundreds of cocktails events, special experiences, immersive pop-ups and international takeovers over this 11-day city-wide festival. If you like going out-out, it’s the perfect way to explore the London bar scene and discover something new. Not sure where to start? Check out our guide to London Cocktail Week and the best cocktail bars in London and the SW.
Indulge on scrumptious food at London Restaurant Festival
The London Restaurant Festival returns this October to celebrate the capital’s diverse dining scene. It takes place throughout the month, launching 27 September at Arcade Tottenham Court Road with the Food Fest event.
There are over 50 culinary events to enjoy. At the food fest event your £16 ticket includes a cocktail on arrival, a savoury main dish, a dessert and a goody bag. Other activities include restaurant hopping tours, neighbourhood nights and plenty more. Be quick though - tickets are selling fast.
All locations are easily reachable from London Waterloo.
Watch a film at the BFI London Film Festival
The BFI London Film Festival just keeps getting better with a wide array of feature programmes including movies, documentaries and shorts from all across the world from 9-20 October. Showings take place across the capital, but with plenty on at the BFI Southbank – just five minutes' walk away from London Waterloo, so train-travelling film fans will find it easy to catch any of the great movies on offer. Our region is also home to many famous film locations, so why not grab the popcorn and go on your own railway movie trail.
Cheer on family and friends at the Great South Run
Watch one of the world’s most famous 10-mile running events - the Great South Run - on 20 October, plus the Great South 5k and Junior Mini Great South Run on 19 October. We’ve put together a guide which details top locations to watch runners pass by, including landmarks on the route.
It’s not too late to sign up to run. Visit the Great South Run website to enter.
Jump onboard - London Transport Museum Late
Calling all design and poster lovers, head to London Transport Museum Late event on 11 October. Join a night of art and design-filled fun as the museum celebrates the power of the poster - taking inspiration from its gallery of world class transport posters. Explore the museum’s galleries and exhibitions after-hours, take part in craft workshops, gallery tours and talks then grab a drink at one of the bars.
London Transport museum is just a 15-minute walk from Waterloo Station. If you want to learn more about the museum on another visit, remember to get 2For1 tickets from SWR Rewards.
London Literature Festival
Image credit: Jess Hand
The London Literature Festival is the longest-running celebration of the written and spoken word of its kind in the capital presenting prestigious names alongside rising literary stars, every autumn. Running from 23 October until 3 November at the South Bank Centre, it is hosting a great line up including Keanu Reeves and Rupert Everett. The South Bank is just a short walk from London Waterloo. Check out our 2for1 tickets to Shakespeare’s Globe Guided Tour and Globe Story with SWR Rewards.
Enjoy half-term activities with the kids
Take the kids out this half term. There are plenty of activities to choose from. Here are some of our top picks, suited for all tastes and budgets.
The Lookout - Head to this free viewing spot to see London’s historic landmarks and modern skyscrapers from the 50th floor gallery.
Hampshire activities - Visit Hampshire where you’ll find a whole host of things to do including checking out some living history at Milestones Museum in Basingstoke, Potions Science Lab science show at Winchester Science Centre & Planetarium, and a must-see family attraction - Paultons Park near Southampton.
Free exhibitions - Keeping the teens entertained can be slightly trickier, especially on a budget. Try this one - a free exhibition that explores Being Human at Wellcome Collection in London. You could also try the Design Museum’s Future Observatory: Tomorrow's Wardrobe.
These are just a few examples of many things you can do with the kids during October half term. For more ideas, take a look at our October half term guide which includes visits to Kew Gardens, SEA LIFE centre in London, LEGOLAND®, and more.
If you’re looking to extend a day trip, our top South West staycations and 48 hours in London guides are worth a look in.
Don’t forget to check SWR Rewards for money-off stays, activities, food and more when you travel with us.
Have some spooky Halloween fun
No matter your age, there are plenty of things to do around Halloween across the region.
Halloween for kids
Head to a pumpkin patch in the South West, where you’ll find gardens or farmlands filled with pumpkins of all shapes and sizes. There are plenty to choose from on the network, including Pickwell Farm in Southampton, Sopley Farm Shop & Bakery in Christchurch, and plenty closer to the capital. Read our dedicated pumpkin patch guide to learn more.
If your little ones are Harry Potter fans, this one’s bound to impress them: Dark Arts. Running until 10 November, you can step into the iconic sets from the Harry Potter film series in a spookier setting especially for Halloween, and experience the holiday as if you’re a Hogwarts student.
Across the region, plenty of top attractions get involved with hosting Halloween-themed fun. Head to Chessington World of Adventures on select October weekends to see live dance shows and meet and greets to kid-friendly shows and scare attractions for those a little braver. Get your tickets.
Between 17 October and 4 November, a Halloween-themed fun-fest takes place at Paultons Park. Every October this thrilling theme park gets a spooky makeover complete with horror shows, creepy meet and greets and a whopping 4,000 pumpkins!
The Winchester Science Centre will host a spooky science Halloween experience from 12 October to 4 November, which includes a trick or treat trail, monster mini disco, free live science show and more.
See our top spooky attractions guide for more inspo.
Halloween for adults
If you fancy a night out on the town, London has plenty of Halloween-themed events to choose from, including some close to Waterloo station so you can enjoy a hassle-free train ride home.
Before we get into it be sure to read our guide to safe train travel, especially if you’re planning on staying out late.
Try El Dia of the Dead at London Cabaret Club. Just a 5-minute walk from the station at Bloomsbury Ballroom, this one’s a Romeo and Juliet inspired Halloween show, where 2 familial rivals go on a doomed mission to destroy each other to win the heart of their lover.
See our guide on how to celebrate Halloween in London for more inspo, and while you’re here, learn about the London Necropolis Railway that used to run out of London Waterloo.
If you fancy something a little more low-key then our guide on the best places to go out in London has loads of ideas or go to one of the many cocktail bars across the SWR region where you’re bound to join plenty of people dressed up in spooky Halloween-themed outfits enjoying the Capital’s nightlife.
Plan your travel with South Western Railway
Now you’ve filled your October calendar, it’s time to plan your travel. Find cheap train tickets by travelling off-peak and enjoy further discounts with a Railcard. If you’re travelling in a group, you could benefit from GroupSave.
We’ll catch you next month with ideas for what to do across our network in November.
